Beardsley, holder of the fifth fastest marathon time in U.S. history, will speak at Black Hills State University

Dick Beardsley, marathon champion, motivational speaker, and holder of the fifth fastest marathon time in U.S. history will present, "Dick Beardsley: An Unlikely Story", Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 3:30-4:45 p.m. in Jonas Hall Room 305 on the BHSU campus.

Black Hills State University will host Dick Beardsley--marathon champion, motivational speaker, and holder of the fifth fastest marathon time in U.S. history Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 3:30-4:45 p.m. in Jonas Hall Room 305 on the BHSU campus.

His presentation, “Dick Beardsley: An Unlikely Story” is sponsored by the BHSU College of Business and Technology, the BHSU Cross Country and Track Teams, and the BHSU American Marketing Association, is free and open to the public.

A ticketed fundraiser event will then be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 29th in the Jacket Legacy Room of the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union. The event will include a question-and-answer period and a silent auction. The cost is $25 per person and tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the BHSU College of Business and Technology at 642-6212 or Travis Covey, assistant BHSU track coach, at 642-6041. Proceeds will support the College of Business and Technology and BHSU Cross Country and Track programs.

Beardsley’s life reads like a Greek tragedy with an upbeat ending. His running career began in a tiny farming community west of the Twin Cities. Beardsley ran his first marathon in 2:47:14, and in subsequent marathons he steadily lowered his times. His running success peaked at the Boston Marathon in 1982, with his famous “Duel in the Sun” with Alberto Salazar. Later on, due to an injury and operations, he took a break from competitive marathoning to build his dairy farm and his fishing guide business.

Unfortunately, due to a traumatic accident, Beardsley spent considerable time recuperating while continuing to work on the farm and even to hobble through an occasional run. Due to additional operations, he suffered a litany of disasters. Fortunately, he persevered, but at a price. Dick’s compelling journey will be told as he shares his “unlikely story” with his audience.

Quoting from a spokesperson for the Chicago Tri Club, “…Dick has a way of making me laugh and cry my eyes out all at once, all while inspiring me to immediately sign up for my next challenge! He has an amazing ability to reach each and every person in his audience - whether they've run two dozen marathons or haven't an athletic fiber in their body, each and every person walks out of his talk inspired to be great. His honesty and simple humanness makes him one of the greatest. I can't wait to hear him again.”

For more information on Beardsley’s presentation and/or to purchase tickets to the fundraising event, please call the College of Business and Technology at 642-6212 or Travis Covey at 642-6041. Persons who need special accommodations for this event should call either number 24 hours prior to the event.

BHSU News Archive:

BHSU In the News

Black Hills State University faculty, staff, and students are transforming lives and making headlines with their achievements. See what BHSU is in the news for lately. Email CampusCurrents@bhsu.edu or call 605.642.6215 to share your news item.